Smokefree Natrona County Preparing for Referendum Campaign

Smokefree Natrona County officials say they’re preparing to launch a referendum campaign if Casper City Council passes sweeping changes to the city of Casper's public indoor smoking ordinance.

Council approved the second reading of an amended smoking ban on Tuesday that would allow smoking within Casper taverns, lounges, bars, private clubs and healthcare facilities.

The ordinance would still forbid smoking within several facilities, including restaurants, bingo halls, restrooms and publicly-funded buildings.

Smokefree Natrona County representative Anna Edwards says her organization is still educating itself on the referendum process.

“The coalition members have done a lot of research, and we feel pretty confidant that we know is expected of us going forward if a referendum is needed, but we’re still waiting for that third vote," Edwards said.

Edwards says, if the amended smoking ban were to be adopted by council, Smokefree Natrona County would have to gather about 2,500 signatures in 20 days to force a special election.